Statement from HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on the Passing of Senator Arlen Specter

Statement

I am deeply saddened by the passing of former Senator Arlen Specter. Senator Specter was a strong advocate and champion for the mission of the Department of Health and Human Services, and the issues we work on every day, including biomedical research, public health, and disease research and prevention.

Senator Specter's commitment to expanding access to health care, and his long time, continued support for affordable, available health care for all deserves special recognition.

Senator Specter was also an influential and passionate voice for key agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and many others. In 2006, the CDC honored Senator Specter and his long support of CDC's mission, by naming Building 21, the Arlen Specter Headquarters and Operations Center.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his colleagues, and the millions he impacted through his commitment to health care and scientific research.